Besses o' th' Barn Band

Established in 1818, we are one of the oldest brass bands in the world. Besses are committed to providing high quality, entertaining concerts for audiences local to us in north Manchester (and further afield), whilst maintaining our world-wide reputation and being true to the history and legacy of such an esteemed institution.

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Besses o' th' Barn Band

Besses' vice principal cornet player Dovid Friedlander has done it again. Young musical prodigy Dovid scored another triumph on 23rd March 2015. He was the only musician to play with both the Salford Youth Concert Band and the Manchester Wind Orchestra at a joint concert at Eccles Town Hall on the same evening. The Youth Band is comprised of high school students from across Salford whilst the Manchester Wind Orchestra is made up of university music students and post-graduates playing to a professional standard.Dovid played solo trumpet and cornet parts throughout the joint programme and received several rounds of loud applause. His solos ranged from elements of suites by Gustav Holst to the top line of John Lennon's Imagine. His extremely proud parents and older sister were there to watch his unique achievement. However, Dovid's main occupation is still vice principal cornet of the world famous Besses o' th' Barn Band of Whitefield, the youngest holder of the position in the band's 197 year history.

BURNLEY BANDSMAN'S D.C.M. PRESENTED.The Distinguished Conduct Medal was presented on Saturday last, at Fulwood Barracks, Preston, to ex- Company Sergeant-Major J. Birkett, 1/5th East Lancashire Regiment (Burnley Territorials). Ex-C.S.M., Birkett, who is now demobilized, and resides at 49, Marlborough Street, Burnley, enlisted on October 9th, 1914, in the 2/5th East Lancs. He first got the information of his honour through the columns of the "Burnley Express," on June 4th, 1919, when we published the honours and awards list from the London Gazette, dated June 3rd, 1919. The Depot Colonel at Preston presented him with the medal as stated, the following regiments being represented on the parade, about one company in strength; East Lancashire Regiment, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, one battery R.F.A., and a small detachment of A.S.C.

Beaverbrooks the Jewellers has made a generous charitable donation to Besses o’ th’ Barn Band of Whitefield, North Manchester. The Lancashire based high street chain founded in 1919 is exactly 101 years younger than the band. Both have become beloved Lancashire and British institutions. The donation was made towards Besses’ programme of encouraging young musical talent, especially from families where there has been no tradition of instrumental playing. Part of the money will go towards the costs of new music stands and other essential equipment.

Besses o’ th’ Barn is one of the oldest and most famous brass bands in the world. It has played for kings, queens and emperors and has won both the British National and British Open brass band championships many times. Spokesman for the band, Dr Yaakov Wise said: “We are extremely grateful to Beaverbrooks, the North’s favourite jewellers, for their support. One great Lancashire organisation is supporting another. It’s very good of them to be so concerned about ensuring the future of our brass band heritage in the region.”